Accordingly they parted, and _Rackham_ made for the Island of _Princes_, and having great Quantities of rich Goods on Board, taken in the late Prizes, they were divided into Lots, and he and his Crew shared them by throwing Dice, the highest Cast being to choose first: When they had done, they packed up their Goods in Casks, and buried them on Shore in the Island of _Princes_, that they might have Room for fresh Booty. In the mean Time it happened that a Turtle Sloop belonging to _Jamaica_ came in there, _Rackham_ sent his Boat, and brought the Master on Board of him, and asking him several Questions, the Master informed him, that War with _Spain_ had been proclaimed in _Jamaica_; and that the Time appointed by the general Pardon for Pyrates to surrender, in order to receive the Benefit thereof, was not expired. Upon this Intelligence _Rackham_ and his Crew suddenly changed their Minds, and were resolved to take the Benefit of the Pardon by a speedy Surrender; wherefore, instead of using the Master ill, as the poor Man expected, they made him several Presents, desiring him to sail back to _Jamaica_, and acquaint the Governor they were willing to surrender, provided he would give his Word and Honour they should have the Benefit of the Pardon; which, as extensive as it was, they apprehended they were not intitled to, because they had run away in Defiance of it at _Providence_. They desired the Master also to return with the Governor's Answer, assuring him he should be no Loser by the Voyage. The Master very willingly undertook the Commission, and arriving at _Jamaica_, delivered his Message to the Governor, according to his Instructions; but it happened that the Master of the _Kingston_, with his Passengers, being come to _Jamaica_, had acquainted the Governor with the Pyracies of _Vane_ and _Rackam_, before the Turtler got thither, who was actually fitting out two Sloops, which were now just ready, in pursuit of them, so that the Governor was very glad to discover, by the Turtler's Message, where _Rackam_ was to be found. The two Sloops, well mann'd, accordingly sailed out, and found _Rackam_ in the Station where the Turtler had described him, but altogether in Disorder, and quite unprepared, either for Sailing or for Fight, most of his Sails being on Shore erected into Tents, and his Decks lumber'd with Goods; he happen'd to be on Board himself, tho' most of his Men were ashore, and seeing the two Sloops at a Distance, bearing towards him, he observed them with his Glass, and fancied he saw on Board something like Preparations for fighting. This was what he did not expect, for he look'd for no Enemy, and while he was in Doubt and Suspence about them, they came so near that they began to fire.